Global Talent ILR: do I need a B2 English test?
If you apply for ILR on or after 26 March 2027, the Global Talent route needs English at B2 in speaking and listening, unless another way of meeting the requirement applies. Before that date the level is B1.
Where this comes from
The Home Office's Explanatory Memorandum to HC 1691 lists Global Talent among the routes whose settlement English requirement moves from B1 to B2. The rule applies to the date of your ILR application. GOV.UK says Global Talent holders may be able to settle after 3 or 5 years, depending on the field and how they applied, so for many people that date will fall after 26 March 2027.
A degree may already cover it
If you have a degree, check this first. A UK bachelor's, master's or PhD meets the English requirement, and so does a degree from another country if Ecctis confirms it was taught or researched in English. There is no date limit. See Does my degree count?.
Nationality
Nationals of the majority-English-speaking countries on the GOV.UK list, such as the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, do not need to prove English. See Which nationalities do not need a test?.
If you need a test
It must be a Secure English Language Test in speaking and listening at B2, taken no more than 2 years before you apply. See Which English tests count?.
Check first
The free checker asks about your route, nationality and qualifications and tells you whether you probably need the test.
Last checked against GOV.UK: 21 October 2026.
Sources
- Global Talent visa (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
- HC 1691 Explanatory Memorandum (paragraphs 5.60 to 5.62) (GOV.UK, checked 20 Oct 2026)
- Immigration Rules: Appendix KoLL (updated 26 March 2026) (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
- Prove your knowledge of English: degrees taught or researched in English (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your own route, or speak to a regulated immigration adviser (registered with the IAA, formerly OISC). Find a regulated adviser on GOV.UK.